Nevada wildlife board OKs ‘shed antler’ hunting regulations

Mule deer buck with trophy antlers. The Nevada Department of Wildlife is looking at regulating the growing practice of collecting the trophies to protect the state’s deer and elk populations. (Tim Torell/Nevada Department of Wildlife)

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners voted unanimously Saturday to prohibit antler collecting in Nevada during a winter-spring period to reduce the stress on the elk and deer populations.

The board vote prohibits “shed hunting” from Jan. 1 to April 15.

A proposal to require a Nevada hunting license to collect antlers, which are dropped by the animals every winter, was not approved by the board.

The seasonal ban on antler collection mirrors what other Western states are doing to reduce stress on the animals during the winter months.

Nevada has not until now regulated shed hunting, which can be lucrative. Elk antlers can bring $10 a pound. A set from a trophy elk could bring $500 to thousands of dollars.

Contact Capital Bureau reporter Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Follow him on Twitter @seanw801.